Canada is a top destination for nurses looking for a safe, stable, and welcoming environment to grow their careers. From competitive salaries to permanent residency options, the Canadian healthcare system offers tremendous opportunities to internationally educated nurses especially from countries like Nepal. But before you can practice as a nurse in Canada, you must go through an official recognition and registration process. The first step? NNAS.
The National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) is the centralized body that evaluates the educational and professional background of internationally educated nurses. Its a mandatory step for anyone who wants to work as a:
NNAS does not issue licenses, but they assess your credentials and forward their report to the provincial nursing bodies, such as CNO in Ontario or BCCNM in British Columbia.
If you plan to work in Ontario, one of the most popular provinces for newcomers your application will proceed to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) after NNAS. CNO will review the advisory report from NNAS, and then determine your eligibility to proceed through one of several routes, which may include:
CNO is known for having a clear process, but its still lengthy and requires careful preparation. This is where NCLEX Center comes in.
Weve worked with hundreds of nurses pursuing Canadian registration and know the process inside out. Whether you’re just starting NNAS or waiting for your CNO decision, we offer full-cycle support:
Our counselors ensure you avoid delays, submit your documents correctly, and meet every requirement on time.
| Stage | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|
| NNAS Account + Document Prep | 12 months |
| NNAS Review & Advisory Report | 46 months |
| CNO/Other Regulatory Decision | 13 months |
| NCLEX-RN (if required) | 25 months |
| Job Search + Immigration | 36 months |
| Total Estimated Time | 1218 months |